Method and apparatus for configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network

ABSTRACT

A method for configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network, an apparatus for such configuring and a method for configuring a communicating air conditioning network are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method for configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network includes: (1) establishing baseline data indicating conditioned outputs of selected space interactive units of the plurality of space interactive units, (2) activating a respective environmental interactive unit of the plurality of environmental interactive units and (3) assigning to the respective environmental interactive unit a respective selected space interactive unit associated with the largest change in a conditioned output.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/866,155 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING ACOMMUNICATING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONING NETWORK” filed on Oct. 2, 2007,by Wojciech Grohman, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,590,469 issued Sep. 15, 2009.The above-mentioned application is commonly assigned with the presentapplication and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to communicating environmentalconditioning networks, and especially to initial configuration of such anetwork to identify which unit serving a respective conditioned spacemay be controlled by a respective cooperating unit.

BACKGROUND

Communicating environmental conditioning networks typically containmultiple types of devices that are physically coupled together by commonair duct, refrigerant lines, etc., comprising separate HVAC systemssharing the same communicating network. It is very difficult toautomatically discern which ones of multiple types of devices belong tothe same HVAC system.

The invention may be advantageously employed with many environmentalconditioning systems including, by way of example and not by way oflimitation, dehumidifying systems, humidifying systems, heating systems,cooling systems, ventilating systems and other systems affectingenvironment in a plurality of spaces. Units serving a conditioned spacemay be referred to as space interactive units, and may be located withinthe serviced space or outside of the serviced space. Cooperating unitsmay operate outside the conditioned space, and may be referred to asenvironmentally interactive units. Space interactive units maycommunicate with environmentally interactive units outside theconditioned space, and a control unit may communicate via a networkcoupling with a plurality of space interactive units and environmentallyinteractive units to effect environmental control of a plurality ofspaces from a central locus.

By way of illustrative example and not by way of limitation, the presentinvention may be described in an exemplary embodiment of a communicatingnetwork of heat pump systems. When a communicating environmentalconditioning system is initially configured there may be significanttime expended to assure that one accurately ascertains the line-up ofunits. In an exemplary heat pump network, one must accurately ascertainwhich environmental interactive unit (sometimes referred to as anoutdoor unit) is coupled for cooperative operation with which respectivespace interactive unit (sometimes referred to as an indoor unit.

It would be advantageous to have a method and apparatus for effectingconfiguration of a communicating environmental conditioning system, suchas a communicating heat pump network, in an efficient and timely manner.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a method for configuring a communicating environmentalconditioning network is disclosed. The network may include a pluralityof environmental interactive units communicatingly coupled with aplurality of space interactive units, each respective space interactiveunit of the plurality of space interactive units presenting aconditioned output when engaged with a particular environmentalinteractive unit of the plurality of environmental interactive units. Inone embodiment, the method may include: (1) establishing baseline dataindicating conditioned outputs of selected space interactive units ofthe plurality of space interactive units, (2) activating a respectiveenvironmental interactive unit of the plurality of environmentalinteractive units and (3) assigning to the respective environmentalinteractive unit a respective selected space interactive unit associatedwith the largest change in a conditioned output.

In another aspect, a method for configuring a communicating airconditioning network is disclosed. The network may include a pluralityof outdoor units interacting with an environment outside at least oneconditioned space and coupled with a plurality of indoor unitsinteracting with the at least one conditioned space; each respectiveindoor unit of the plurality of indoor units employing a respective fanelement for presenting a conditioned output when engaged with aparticular outdoor unit of the plurality of outdoor units. In oneembodiment, the method may include: (1) establishing a baseline data setindicating conditioned outputs of the selected indoor units, (2)activating a respective outdoor unit of the plurality of outdoor unitsand (3) assigning to the respective outdoor unit the selected indoorunit associated with the largest change in the conditioned output.

In yet another aspect, an apparatus for configuring a communicatingenvironmental conditioning network is disclosed. The network may includea plurality of environmental interactive units communicatingly coupledwith a plurality of space interactive units and a network control unit,each respective space interactive unit presenting a conditioned outputwhen engaged with a particular environmental interactive unit. In oneembodiment, the apparatus may include: (1) a data collecting unitcoupled with the network control unit for establishing baseline dataindicating conditioned outputs of the selected space interactive units,(2) an engaging unit coupled with the network control unit for engagingat least one respective space interactive unit of the selected spaceinteractive units with a respective environmental interactive unit ofthe plurality of environmental interactive units and (3) a selectingunit coupled with the network control unit for selecting the respectivethe selected space interactive unit associated with the largest changein the conditioned output for assigning to the respective environmentalinteractive unit.

It is, therefore, a feature of the invention to provide a method andapparatus for effecting configuration of a communicating environmentalconditioning system, such as a communicating heat pump network, in anefficient and timely manner.

Further features of the present invention will be apparent from thefollowing specification and claims when considered in connection withthe accompanying drawings, in which like elements are labeled using likereference numerals in the various figures, illustrating the preferredembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communicating environmentalconditioning network employing the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a first embodiment of the method ofthe invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a second embodiment of the method ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of this description the term “furnace” is intended toinclude, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a spaceinteractive unit having a gas or oil heat exchanger and fan. When aheating unit is employed with an environmental interactive unit such as,by way of example and not by way of limitation, a heat pump unit, thegas or oil heat exchanger in the furnace may be employed as a back-upunit to handle very cold days beyond the capability of the heat pumpunit to meet demand in the conditioned space.

For purposes of this description the term “air handler unit” is intendedto include, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a spaceinteractive unit having a fan. An air handler unit may also include aheating element. A heating element in an air handler unit may beembodied in an electric heating element.

For purposes of this description the term “HVAC indoor unit” is intendedto include, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a furnace oran air handler.

For purposes of this description the term “air conditioner” is intendedto include, by way of example and not by way of limitation, anenvironmentally interactive unit having a compressor, a fan and a set ofrefrigerant lines connected with an indoor coil and being configured forcooling the indoor coil.

For purposes of this description the term “heat pump” is intended toinclude, by way of example and not by way of limitation, anenvironmentally interactive unit having a compressor, a fan and a set ofrefrigerant lines connected with an indoor coil with ability to cool andheat the indoor coil.

For purposes of this description the term “HVAC outdoor unit” isintended to include, by way of example and not by way of limitation, aheat pump or an air conditioner.

For purposes of this description the term “humidifier” is intended toinclude, by way of example and not by way of limitation, anenvironmentally interactive unit having an ability to increase humidityin a conditioned space.

For purposes of this description the term “dehumidifier” is intended toinclude, by way of example and not by way of limitation, anenvironmentally interactive unit having an ability to decrease humidityin a conditioned space.

For purposes of this description the term “a zoning panel” is intendedto include, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a controlunit with dampers attached to it having the ability to regulate the flowof conditioned air into multiple areas of a building, called zones. Forpurposes of this description the term “}VAC accessory unit” is intendedto include, by way of example and not by way of limitation, ahumidifier, a dehumidifier or a zoning panel.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communicating environmentalconditioning network employing the present invention. In FIG. 1, acommunicating environmental conditioning network 10 is installed tocondition an environmental parameter in a plurality of inside spaces 12₁, 12 ₂, 12 ₃, 12 _(m) defined by a wall structure 14. The indicator “m”is employed to signify that there can be any number of inside spacesconditioned by environmental conditioning network 10. The inclusion offour inside spaces 121, 122, 12 ₃, 12 _(m) in FIG. 1 is illustrativeonly and does not constitute any limitation regarding the number ofinside spaces that may be served by the environmental conditioningnetwork of the present invention. Wall system 14 separates inside spaces12 ₁, 12 ₂, 12 ₃, 12 _(m) from each other and from an outside space 16.

Inside space 12 ₁ is conditioned by a space interactive unit IU₁. Spaceinteractive unit 1 U₁ may be referred to as an indoor unit and may beconfigured for effecting, by way of example and not by way oflimitation, heating, cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying or otherwiseconditioning inside space 12 ₁. Space interactive unit 115 ₁ may becoupled with a sensor unit S₁ and a delivery unit F₁. By way of exampleand not by way of limitation, sensor S_(i) may be embodied in athermostat, a humidistat, an intake or an exhaust sensor or anothersensor for setting a level of environmental conditioning to be effectedand maintained by space interactive unit Rh. Delivery unit F₁ may beembodied, by way of example and not by way of limitation, in a fan unit.

Inside space 12 ₂ is conditioned by space interactive units IU₂, IU₃.Space interactive units IU₂, IU₃ may be configured for effecting, by wayof example and not by way of limitation, heating, cooling, humidifying,dehumidifying or otherwise conditioning inside space 12 ₂. Spaceinteractive units IU₂, IU₃ may be coupled with sensor units S2, S3 anddelivery units F2, F3. By way of example and not by way of limitation,sensors S2, S3 may each be embodied in a thermostat, a humidistat, anintake or an exhaust sensor or another sensor for setting a level ofenvironmental conditioning to be effected and maintained by spaceinteractive units IU₂, IU₃. Delivery units F₂, F3 may each be embodied,by way of example and not by way of limitation, in a fan unit. Insidespace 12 ₃ is conditioned by a space interactive unit IU4. Spaceinteractive unit 111 ₄ may be referred to as an indoor unit and may beconfigured for effecting, by way of example and not by way oflimitation, heating, cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying or otherwiseconditioning inside space 12 ₃. Space interactive unit IU₄ may becoupled with a sensor unit S4 and a delivery unit F4. By way of exampleand not by way of limitation, sensor S4 may be embodied in a thermostat,a humidistat, an intake or an exhaust sensor or another sensor forsetting a level of environmental conditioning to be effected andmaintained by space interactive unit 1U4. Delivery unit F4 may beembodied, by way of example and not by way of limitation, in a fan unit.

Inside space 12 _(m) is conditioned by a space interactive unit IU_(r).Space interactive unit 115, may be referred to as an indoor unit and maybe configured for effecting, by way of example and not by way oflimitation, heating, cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying or otherwiseconditioning inside space 12 _(m). Space interactive unit IU_(r) may becoupled with a sensor unit S_(r) and a delivery unit F_(r). By way ofexample and not by way of limitation, sensor S_(r) may be embodied in athermostat, a humidistat, an intake or an exhaust sensor or anothersensor for setting a level of environmental conditioning to be effectedand maintained by space interactive unit IU_(r). Delivery unit F_(r) maybe embodied, by way of example and not by way of limitation, in a fanunit. The indicator “r” is employed to signify that there can be anynumber of space interactive units included in environmental conditioningnetwork 10. The inclusion of five space interactive units 11J1, IU₂,IU₃, 111 ₄, IU_(r) in FIG. 1 is illustrative only and does notconstitute any limitation regarding the number of space interactiveunits that may be served by the environmental conditioning network ofthe present invention.

A plurality of environmental interactive units OU₁, OU₂, OU₃, OU_(n)cooperate with space interactive units IU_(i), IU₂, IU₃, 111 ₄, IU_(r)to environmentally condition inside spaces 12 ₁, 12 ₂, 12 ₃, 12 _(m).Environmental interactive units OU_(i), OU2, OU₃, OU_(n) may be referredto as outdoor units. The indicator “n” is employed to signify that therecan be any number of environmental interactive units included inenvironmental conditioning network 10. The inclusion of fourenvironmental interactive units OU₁, OU₂, OU₃, Olin in FIG. 1 isillustrative only and does not constitute any limitation regarding thenumber of environmental interactive units that may be served by theenvironmental conditioning network of the present invention.

Environmental conditioning network 10 also includes a control unit 20for effecting control of environmental conditioning network 10. Anempowering unit 30 may be coupled with control unit 20 for powering upselected portions or components of environmental conditioning network10, such as turning on selected delivery units Fr associated withselected space interactive units IU_(r). Empowering unit 30 may beintegrally included as part of control unit 20 embodied in software,firmware, hardware or any combination of software, firmware andhardware.

A data collecting unit 32 may be coupled with control unit 20 forcollecting data relating to operation of environmental conditioningnetwork 10 or its component parts, such as space interactive unitsKi_(r) or environmental interactive units OU_(R). Data collecting unit32 may be integrally included as part of control unit 20 embodied insoftware, firmware, hardware or any combination of software, firmwareand hardware.

An engaging unit 34 may be coupled with control unit 20 for engagingselected space interactive units 111, —with a respective environmentalinteractive unit OUR. Engaging unit 34 may be integrally included aspart of control unit 20 embodied in software, firmware, hardware or anycombination of software, firmware and hardware.

A timer unit 36 may be coupled with control unit 20 for measuringelapsed time or time intervals associated with operation ofenvironmental conditioning network 10. Timer unit 36 may be integrallyincluded as part of control unit 20 embodied in software, firmware,hardware or any combination of software, firmware and hardware.

A measuring unit 38 may be coupled with control unit 20 for measuring aconditioned output from selected space interactive units ITT. Measuringunit 38 may be integrally included as part of control unit 20 embodiedin software, firmware, hardware or any combination of software, firmwareand hardware.

A selecting unit 39 may be coupled with control unit 20 for selectingselected component parts of environmental conditioning network 10, suchas space interactive units 'U_(r) or environmental interactive unitsOU_(R). Selecting unit 39 may be integrally included as part of controlunit 20 embodied in software, firmware, hardware or any combination ofsoftware, firmware and hardware.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a first embodiment of the method ofthe invention. In FIG. 2, a method 100 for configuring a communicatingenvironmental conditioning network begins at a START locus 102. Thenetwork includes a plurality of environmental interactive unitscommunicatingly coupled with a plurality of space interactive units.Each respective space interactive unit of the plurality of spaceinteractive units presents a conditioned output when engaged with aparticular environmental interactive unit of the plurality ofenvironmental interactive units.

Method 100 continues with turning on selected delivery units associatedwith selected space interactive units of the plurality of spaceinteractive units, as indicated by a block 104. Method 100 continues byestablishing baseline data indicating conditioned outputs of theselected space interactive units, as indicated by a block 106.

Method 100 proceeds by engaging at least one respective spaceinteractive unit of the selected space interactive units with arespective environmental interactive unit of the plurality ofenvironmental interactive units, as indicated by a block 108.

Method 100 continues by waiting a predetermined time interval, asindicated by a block 110. Method 100 continues with measuring aconditioned output associated with each the selected delivery unit, asindicated by a block 112. Method 100 proceeds with selecting therespective selected space interactive unit associated with the largestchange in the conditioned output as assigned to the respectiveenvironmental interactive unit, as indicated by a block 114.

Method 100 may continue by posing a query whether all environmentalinteractive units have been assigned with a space interactive unit, asindicated by a query block 116. If not all respective environmentalinteractive units of the plurality of environmental interactive unitshave been assigned with a space interactive unit, method 100 proceedsfrom query block 116 via a NO response line 118 and engages anotherrespective environmental interactive unit with other respective spaceinteractive units, as indicated by a block 120. Method 100 thereafterproceeds to a locus 121 and performs steps represented by blocks 110,112, 114, 116.

If all environmental interactive units have been assigned with a spaceinteractive unit, method 100 proceeds from query block 116 via a YESresponse line 122 and terminates at an END locus 124.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a second embodiment of the method ofthe invention. In FIG. 3, a method 200 for configuring a communicatingair conditioning network, such as a communicating heat pump networkoperating in a cooling mode, begins at a START locus 202. The networkincludes a plurality of outdoor units situated outside at least oneconditioned space and coupled with a plurality of indoor units situatedinside the at least one conditioned space. Each respective indoor unitof the plurality of indoor units employs a respective fan unit forpresenting a conditioned output when engaged with a particular outdoorunit of the plurality of outdoor units. Method 200 continues by turningon selected fan units associated with selected indoor units of theplurality of indoor units, as indicated by a block 204.

Method 200 continues with establishing a baseline data set indicatingconditioned outputs of the selected indoor units, as indicated by ablock 206. Method 200 proceeds by engaging one respective outdoor unitof the selected outdoor units with all indoor units, as indicated by ablock 208. Method 200 continues by waiting a predetermined timeinterval, as indicated by a block 210.

Method 200 continues with measuring the conditioned output associatedwith each respective indoor unit, as indicated by a block 212. Method200 proceeds with selecting the respective indoor unit associated withthe largest change in the conditioned output as assigned to therespective outdoor unit, as indicated by a block 214.

Method 200 may continue by posing a query whether all respective outdoorunits of the plurality of outdoor units have been assigned with anindoor unit, as indicated by a query block 216.

If not all respective outdoor units of the plurality of outdoor unitshave been assigned with an indoor unit, method 200 may proceed fromquery block via a NO response line 218 and may engage all remainingindoor units with another respective outdoor unit, as indicated by ablock 220. Method 200 thereafter proceeds to a locus 221 and performssteps represented by blocks 210, 212, 214, 216.

If all respective outdoor units of the plurality of outdoor units havebeen assigned with an indoor unit, method 200 may proceed from queryblock via a YES response line 222 and terminates at an END locus 224.

Thus, an embodiment of the present invention is a process for effectingautomatic assignment of an outdoor unit (e.g., heat pump or airconditioner) or an accessory (e.g., humidifier or dehumidifier or azoning panel) to its corresponding indoor unit (e.g., a furnace or airhandler) in a multi HVAC (Heating Ventilating Air Conditioning) systemcommunicating network.

An embodiment of the method requires an indoor unit (e.g., a furnace,air handler or equivalent delivery unit) to have a communicatingcontroller and a post-coil (discharge) temperature sensor.

An embodiment of the method works in a communicating network that spansover multiple HVAC systems defined as, at a minimum, a communicatingindoor unit and a communicating controller such as a thermostat.

An embodiment of the method works on devices that require no manualconfiguration prior to being set up in a building or other operationalsite. Upon system power up the first time after installation, or at agiven time afterwards, the indoor unit (e.g., furnace, air handler orsimilar device that is equipped with a blower fan or other deliverydevice) should be assigned to an outdoor unit to which the indoor unitis coupled by refrigerant lines. It is sometimes difficult to adviseeach respective controller immediately following installation whichoutdoor unit is connected to which indoor unit.

An embodiment of the method may involve turning on all blower fans inall indoor units on the network and watching the readings from theirpost-coil discharge sensors. First, a baseline temperature record isestablished for all indoor units that are turned on. Then, one outdoorunit is turned on in cooling mode and all indoor units are monitored attheir respective post-coil discharge sensors. The indoor unit with thelargest relative temperature drop detected by its post-coil sensor isassigned to the then-active outdoor unit. The process may be repeatedfor all outdoor units with all remaining, unassigned indoor unitsblowing the air until all connections are determined.

An alternate embodiment of the above-described method may involveturning on cooling mode for a first set of multiple outdoor units at thesame time followed by a break (i.e., wait for a time interval) and thenturning on cooling mode for a second set of multiple cooling units, andthen sequentially turning on cooling mode for other sets of multiplecooling units as necessary. From patterns of cooling detected atpost-coil discharge sensors of various indoor units while turning oncooling mode for various sets of outdoor units one may determine theindoor unit-outdoor unit association in larger systems more quickly thanperforming the method one indoor unit at a time, as described above.

It is to be understood that, while the detailed drawings and specificexamples given describe embodiments of the invention, they are for thepurpose of illustration only, that the apparatus and method of theinvention are not limited to the precise details and conditionsdisclosed and that various changes may be made therein without departingfrom the spirit of the invention which is defined by the followingclaims:

1. A method for configuring a communicating environmental conditioningnetwork; said network including a plurality of environmental interactiveunits communicatingly coupled with a plurality of space interactiveunits; each respective space interactive unit of said plurality of spaceinteractive units presenting a conditioned output when engaged with aparticular environmental interactive unit of said plurality ofenvironmental interactive units; the method comprising: (a) establishingbaseline data indicating conditioned outputs of selected spaceinteractive units of said plurality of space interactive units; (b)activating a respective environmental interactive unit of said pluralityof environmental interactive units; and (c) assigning to said respectiveenvironmental interactive unit a respective selected space interactiveunit associated with the largest change in a conditioned output.
 2. Amethod for configuring a communication environmental conditioningnetwork as recited in claim 1 further comprising waiting a predeterminedtime interval after activating said respective environmental interactiveunit before said assigning.
 3. A method for configuring a communicatingenvironmental conditioning network as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising repeating said activating and said assigning for each of saidplurality of environmental interactive units.
 4. A method forconfiguring a communicating environmental conditioning network asrecited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of space interactive unitsincludes a plurality of HVAC indoor units.
 5. A method for configuring acommunicating environmental conditioning network as recited in claim 1wherein said plurality of environmental interactive units is a pluralityof HVAC outdoor units.
 6. A method for configuring a communicatingenvironmental conditioning network as recited in claim 1 wherein saidplurality of environmental interactive units is a plurality of HVACaccessory units.
 7. A method for configuring a communicatingenvironmental conditioning network as recited in claim 1 wherein each ofsaid plurality of environmental interactive units includes an associateddelivery element.
 8. A method for configuring a communicating airconditioning network; said network including a plurality of outdoorunits interacting with an environment outside at least one conditionedspace and coupled with a plurality of indoor units interacting with saidat least one conditioned space; each respective indoor unit of saidplurality of indoor units employing a respective fan element forpresenting a conditioned output when engaged with a particular outdoorunit of said plurality of outdoor units; the method comprising: a.establishing a baseline data set indicating conditioned outputs of saidselected indoor units; b. activating a respective outdoor unit of saidplurality of outdoor units; and c. assigning to said respective outdoorunit said selected indoor unit associated with the largest change insaid conditioned output.
 9. A method for configuring a communicating airconditioning network as recited in claim 8 wherein the method furthercomprises waiting a predetermined time interval after activating saidrespective outdoor unit before said assigning.
 10. A method forconfiguring a communicating air conditioning network as recited in claim8 further comprising repeating said activating and said assigning foreach of said plurality of outdoor units.
 11. An apparatus forconfiguring a communicating environmental conditioning network; saidnetwork including a plurality of environmental interactive unitscommunicatingly coupled with a plurality of space interactive units anda network control unit; each respective space interactive unit of saidplurality of space interactive units presenting a conditioned outputwhen engaged with a particular environmental interactive unit of saidplurality of environmental interactive units; the apparatus comprising:a data collecting unit coupled with said network control unit forestablishing baseline data indicating conditioned outputs of saidselected space interactive units; an engaging unit coupled with saidnetwork control unit for engaging at least one respective spaceinteractive unit of said selected space interactive units with arespective environmental interactive unit of said plurality ofenvironmental interactive units; and a selecting unit coupled with saidnetwork control unit for selecting the respective said selected spaceinteractive unit associated with the largest change in said conditionedoutput for assigning to said respective environmental interactive unit.12. An apparatus for configuring a communicating environmentalconditioning network as recited in claim 11 wherein the apparatusfurther comprises an empowering unit coupled with said network controlunit for turning on selected delivery elements associated with selectedspace interactive units of said plurality of space interactive units.13. An apparatus for configuring a communicating environmentalconditioning network as recited in claim 11 wherein the apparatusfurther comprises a timer unit coupled with said network control unitfor measuring a predetermined time interval for waiting.
 14. Anapparatus for configuring a communicating environmental conditioningnetwork as recited in claim 13 wherein the apparatus further comprises ameasuring unit coupled with said network control unit for, after saidpredetermined time interval, measuring a conditioned output associatedwith each of said plurality of space interactive units.
 15. An apparatusfor configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network asrecited in claim 11 wherein the apparatus further comprises a monitoringunit coupled with said network control unit for ascertaining whether allrespective environmental interactive units of said plurality ofenvironmental interactive units have been assigned, said engaging unitengaging a next respective at least one said space interactive unit withanother respective environmental interactive unit if not all respectiveenvironmental interactive units of said plurality of environmentalinteractive units have been assigned; said monitoring unit and saidengaging unit cooperating to repeat effecting said engaging and saidselecting until all respective environmental interactive units have beenassigned.
 16. An apparatus for configuring a communicating environmentalconditioning network as recited in claim 11 wherein said plurality ofspace interactive units includes a plurality of HVAC indoor units. 17.An apparatus for configuring a communicating environmental conditioningnetwork as recited in claim 11 wherein said plurality of environmentalinteractive units is a plurality of HVAC outdoor units.
 18. An apparatusfor configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network asrecited in claim 11 wherein said plurality of environmental interactiveunits is a plurality of HVAC accessory units.